Jurisdiction: Cortland County

Jurisdictional Class: Competitive

Adopted: 10/20/05

Amended 7/15/08; 6/19/09; 4/22/10,3/16/12

PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEER

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves responsibility for applying engineering principles and practices to detect, evaluate, control and manage, engineering aspects of the environment affecting public health. The incumbent works with public officials or individuals regarding public health engineering matters including promoting public health through application of environmental health practices, and enforcing the provisions of State and local health regulations. The work also involves planning, coordinating and supervising staff and office resources to effectively and efficiently provide and insure services. The work is performed under general supervision of the Public Health Director with leeway allowed for exercise of independent judgment in carrying out details of the work. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Administers the Public Water Supply Program to ensure compliance with state and local sanitary codes, including conducting facility inspections/sanitary surveys, maintaining computerized records, and reviewing reports, lab analyses and facility improvement plans;

Plans, coordinates and supervises staff and office resources to effectively and efficiently provide and ensure services

Investigates, reports on and makes recommendations concerning public water supplies, sewage systems, bathing beaches and swimming pools, stream pollution, sanitary conditions of camps, hotels, food, restaurant and general sanitation, air pollution, and public health of environmental nuisances;

Performs engineering analysis and mapping of facilities to evaluate compliance with federal, state and local requirements including hydraulic analysis, geo-hydro analysis and GIS mapping;

Reviews projects, facilities and programs initiated by other county departments;

Consults with representatives of federal, state and local agencies regarding cooperative environmental health projects and engineering problems;

Consults with company heads or private engineering consultants and reviews projects to ensure compliance with federal, state and local codes;

Administers the Onsite Sewage Program to ensure compliance with state and local sanitary codes;

Reviews subdivision plans and public sewer system improvement plans to determine compliance with state environmental health standards;

Represents the County Health Department on matters and problems related to environmental and sanitary engineering;

Meets with public regarding projects that affect public health;

Performs training sessions at public water system operator certification courses;

Prepares a variety of records and reports related to the public health engineering program.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of modern engineering principles and practices related to public health;

Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to environmental health engineering;

Good knowledge of public information and public relations techniques;

Good knowledge of local geography;

Ability to perform engineering analysis, inspections and investigations;

Ability to perform close, detail work involving considerable visual effort and concentration;

Ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions;

Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports;

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

Ability to prepare and deliver presentations in a clear, concise and articulate manner;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a license to practice and current registration as a Professional Engineer in New York State.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license is required. Failure to maintain a NYS driver’s license including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

NOTE: The minimum qualifications for this position are mandated under Section 11.101

of the New York State Health Rules and Regulations.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Classification: Category 2